The People Living with HIV STIGMASurvey UK 2015: Stigmatising experiences and dental care

Introduction We report experiences of stigma and discrimination in the dental setting among people living with HIV in the UK and explore predictors of self-exclusion from dental care. Methods A convenience sample of people living with HIV recruited through community organisations and HIV clinics using an online anonymous survey. Analyses and writing of the findings were conducted with community engagement throughout. Results Fifty-three percent of 1,528 participants reported that their dental practice was aware of their HIV status, and among these 33% felt poorly supported upon disclosure. Over the previous 12 months, 40% had worried about being treated differently and 15% reported being treated differently to other people attending the dental practice; 5.4% felt their dental care was significantly delayed or refused and 14% had avoided their dental practice in relation to their HIV. Delayed or refused dental care was a strong predictor for self-exclusion (aOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 3.44,11.95). Conclusion People living with HIV continue to report high levels of stigmatising and discriminatory attitudes and behaviour in the dental setting. These experiences were strongly associated with people avoiding dental care. Culturally sensitive awareness and educational tools targeting the dental team should be developed to address the stigma around HIV in this clinical setting.